Opening of Proposals - Western Avenue Transformation District Proj No 125-047 - Troyer Group

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PROJECT OVERVIEW Troyer Group was selected to design Hively Ave., the main east -west corridor of the City's southwest Industrial Area. The Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association and the City needed to address the existing land use, circulation, and image issues present along the corridor. Part of the image issues stemmed from the west half of the corridor being industrial and the east half being single-family housing, similar to certain stretches of Main St. Troyer Group added improvements that included reconstructing the roadway to three lanes from SR 19 to Benham Ave., incorporating two roundabouts at existing intersections, traffic signal modernization, landscape improvements, and the installation of a curb and gutter storm sewer system. Right-of-way acquisition for the corridor encompassed over 8o parcels with three total takes. This 2 mile long INDOT LPA project was constructed for $7.4 million. PROJECT OVERVIEW Completed in early 2008, this reconstruction project consisted of widening approximately one mile of Portage Avenue from Lathrop Street north to the bridge over the Indiana Toll Road. Originally a two-lane roadway, Troyer Group's design reconstructed Portage Avenue to two, three, and four lane sections utilizing modern roundabouts at two intersections. The reconstruction also contains a ten foot bicycle path along the west side and a five foot sidewalk along the east side. The northernmost intersection led directly into a residential neighborhood, and the whole corridor represented a main access road for a nearby school. These considerations were all included in the maintenance of traffic plan. The project was designed in accordance with INDOT design and standard practices and constructed at a cost of $5.5 million. To keep the residential approach of the roundabout narrow, Troyer Group decided against a splitter island. While the pavement markings still provide a pedestrian refuge, the lack of a curb also allows for easier emergency and school bus access, and plowing. PROJECT OVERVIEW Through open discussions with local neighborhoods, a comprehensive plan for the project was formalized that fulfilled the needs of all stakeholders. The project encompassed the reconstruction of Diamond Avenue from Lincoln Way to the St Joseph River for the installation of 4,400 feet of go" sewer pipe. To improve water quality and aesthetics at its outfall, the sewer was daylighted and incorporated into the existing trail and park system. This incorporation provided an opportunity to increase the trail, add parking to Brownfield Park, and relocate the intersection of Riverside Dr. and Angela Blvd. away from the Angela bridge. A modern roundabout was constructed at the new location, improving functionality and safety. New sidewalks were installed on both sides of the street incorporating ADA curb ramps at each intersection. Troyer Group I Together, We Will www.troyergroup.com South Bend, IN I Engineering Design Services Western Ave. Transformation District Improvements (125-047)